Chicken and Dumplings is a classic comfort food that brings warmth and satisfaction to any meal. This hearty dish features tender chicken, flavorful broth, and fluffy dumplings. Here’s how you can make this delicious recipe at home.
Ingredients
For the Chicken and Broth:
- 1 whole chicken (about 4 lbs), cut into pieces
- 8 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups water
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 carrots, peeled and sliced
- 3 celery stalks, sliced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Dumplings:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup cold butter, cubed
- 3/4 cup milk
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken and Broth: In a large pot, combine the chicken pieces, chicken broth, water, onion, carrots, celery, garlic, bay leaves, thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat and simmer until the chicken is cooked through and tender, about 45 minutes.
- Shred the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the pot and let it cool slightly. Shred the meat, discarding the skin and bones. Set the shredded chicken aside.
- Strain the Broth: Strain the broth to remove the vegetables and bay leaves. Return the broth to the pot and bring it to a simmer.
- Make the Dumplings: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the milk until just combined.
- Cook the Dumplings: Drop spoonfuls of the dumpling dough onto the simmering broth. Cover the pot and cook until the dumplings are cooked through and fluffy, about 15 minutes.
- Combine and Serve: Add the shredded chicken back to the pot and stir gently to combine. Cook for an additional 5 minutes to heat through. Serve hot and enjoy!
FAQs
Q: Can I use store-bought rotisserie chicken? A: Yes, you can use store-bought rotisserie chicken to save time. Simply shred the meat and add it to the broth after preparing the dumplings.
Q: What type of flour should I use for the dumplings? A: All-purpose flour works best for this recipe. It provides the right texture for fluffy dumplings.
Q: Can I add other vegetables to the soup? A: Absolutely! Feel free to add vegetables like peas, corn, or green beans to the soup for extra flavor and nutrition.
Q: How do I store leftovers? A: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove over medium heat until warmed through.
Q: Can I freeze Chicken and Dumplings? A: Yes, you can freeze Chicken and Dumplings. Let the soup cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Q: What can I serve with Chicken and Dumplings? A: This dish is hearty on its own, but you can serve it with a side salad, crusty bread, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Enjoy making and savoring this comforting Chicken and Dumplings recipe at home! If you have any other questions, feel free to ask. Happy cooking!